Meter and Pay Station Tickets

For general information about City paystations, click here.

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I received a ticket for failing to display a pay station receipt.  I have a copy of the receipt, which was valid when I was cited for the violation.  What should I do?

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The court may waive the citation with proof that you purchased a pay station receipt.  To request this waiver, fill out a written appeal and attach a copy of the pay station receipt.  The law states that you must display a current, valid receipt to park in a pay to park zone. The court will not waive future violations for failing to display this receipt, even if you provide a copy of a valid receipt.

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Why did I receive a ticket when I was only parked at this location for a few minutes?

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The amount of time that a vehicle is parked in violation of a city ordinance is not relevant to the question of whether a violation has occurred.  There is no rule that allows a vehicle to be parked in violation of a city ordinance for only a few minutes. 

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If there is a five minute grace period to buy a receipt, why was I issued a ticket within five minutes of parking?

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The five minute grace period applies after the pay station receipt expires.  Before issuing a citation, a Parking Officer will check the nearby pay stations to make sure that the vehicle owner is not in the process of purchasing a pay station receipt and will not issue a ticket in such circumstance.

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I tried to purchase a receipt from a kiosk, but the kiosk was not working properly.  Why should I have to pay a fine?

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You can purchase a receipt from any Boulder parking kiosk.  If the kiosk at which you attempt to purchase a receipt is not working, you should purchase a receipt from another kiosk.  If you have not previously had a pay station violation waived, the court may consider waiving your citation as a courtesy. To request a waiver, please fill out a written or on-line appeal.

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If there is still time left on my kiosk receipt, can I park in another area?

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Yes.  Any unexpired time remaining on a pay station receipt may be used at any pay to park zone in the city.

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Is it free to park at pay stations and meters on holidays?

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Yes, on designated city holidays.  Note that city holidays may differ from holidays celebrated by private companies or the state or federal government.  Click here to see the current city holidays.

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Don't motorcycles get to park for free?

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There are certain designated areas near the Pearl Street Mall where motorcycles and scooters may park for free.  If, however, a motorcycle is parked in a pay to park zone, a pay station receipt must be purchased and affixed to the motorcycle.  Motorcycles are not permitted to park on sidewalks or at bike racks.

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Are scooters allowed to park for free in bike racks?

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No.  It is true that under state law, a scooter is not considered a "motor vehicle" for purposes of traffic laws.  However, for parking matters in the City of Boulder, a scooter is considered a "vehicle".  Therefore, owners of scooters must comply with all motor vehicle parking laws.  A scooter is not permitted to park on the sidewalk.

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Last Updated on Wednesday, 09 September 2009 09:59